Overview

• Russia’s Defense Ministry said the Northern Fleet frigate Admiral Golovko launched a Zircon at a sea target in the Barents Sea and reported a direct hit.
• The ministry posted launch footage on Telegram and said the area was closed to aircraft and civilian shipping, though international outlets could not verify the video.
• Su-34 crews practiced bombing runs and long-range anti-submarine aircraft participated as the drills highlighted additional air and maritime capabilities.
• The Zapad 2025 joint exercise with Belarus began on Sept 12 and runs through Sept 16, with both governments describing the activities as defensive.
• NATO announced the Eastern Sentry operation after Russian drones entered Polish airspace on Sept 9–10, and officials have voiced concern over Russia’s expanding Arctic posture.